‘Award wapsi’ portrays ‘beauty of democracy’, says Mehbooba Mufti

New Delhi: Hailing the ‘award wapsi’ (return of awards) as the ‘beauty of democracy”, PDP supremo Mehbooba Mufti said that Indian democracy allowed its citizens to register their protests.

Speaking at a talk show organised by a news channel in Delhi, she said, “We should be proud of Indian democracy that we can register our protest like this as well.”

She further said that India was a unique nation with unity in diversity as its core strength and some “fringe elements, who combine pseudo Hinduism with nationalism”, misled people in the country.

Speaking on whether the ‘award wapsi’ was manufactured, she said, “I don’t think so. The award winners are intelligent and can’t be swayed by anyone.”

Stating that intolerance would not be beneficial for the country, she said that the issue was hindering the progress of the nation.

On the issue of consuming beef, she said, “All this discourse is sickening. All religions have contributed to India’s growth where Hinduism has taught us to be tolerant, Islam has taught us equality and Christianity shows us compassion.”

Hinting that ISIS was not a threat in Kashmir, Mufti said, “ISIS does not represent Islam, they are killing Muslims, preaching that atrocities be committed. Islam in Kashmir is different and teaches us to live with neighbours in peace. ISIS will never be a threat to Kashmir.”

She mentioned that the fluttering of the ISIS flags in the region was a publicity stunt and the media had overhyped it.

Urging the media to play a constructive role, She urged the fourth pillar of democracy to be vigilant against the spread of any false propaganda.

Smartly turned out contingents of army, paramilitary forces, state police and school children participated in the parade. Pixabay

Peaceful Republic Day celebrations amid heightened security in J&K

Hoisting function and ceremonial parade were held at Maulana Azad Stadium

Mobile phone services were suspended as a precautionary measure

Amid heightened security, the Republic Day celebrations on Friday passed off peacefully in Jammu and Kashmir’s winter and summer capitals.

The main flag hoisting function and ceremonial parade were held at the Maulana Azad stadium in Jammu city where state governor N.N. Vohra unfurled the national flag and took the salute at an impressive parade.

Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti, her cabinet colleagues, Assembly Speaker Kavinder Gupta, high court judges and senior army police and civil officials were also present at the function.

People from across the social spectrum and school children also participated in country’s 69th Republic Day celebrations.

Cultural programmes by school children was a highlight of this year’s Republic Day celebrations both in Jammu city and different district headquarters of the state. Pixabay

In Srinagar city, the main function was held at the Sher-e-Kashmir cricket stadium where Revenue and Parliamentary Affairs Minister Abdul Rehman Veeri hoisted the Tricolour and took the salute at the parade.

Extraordinary security arrangements had been made this year for the Republic Day celebrations amid intelligence inputs that a non-local female suicide militant had entered Srinagar.